Andhra Pradesh, which is considered as an important pharma hub in the country, is experiencing crucial shortage of drug inspectors. The state consisted of only 20 drug inspectors whereas the vacancy positions for drug inspectors are 130.
Drug inspectors play an important role in making sure that quality medicines are provided to patients. They keep check on illegitimate and sub-standard drugs by conducting raids on medical shops and pharmaceutical firms.
Due to shortage of drug inspectors, there are complaints regarding illegitimate drugs being easily available in the market. Pharma units, medical shops and blood banks have been multiplying every year but the number of drug inspectors has remained the same since many years. There were nearly 1,478 manufacturing units along with blood banks and drug units in 2006-07. The number has raised to 1,780 units in 2009. There are nearly 50,000 medical shops. Andhra Pradesh Drugs Control Administration (APDCA) is somehow managing these with 20 drug inspectors.